Villages in Tikina Naiyalayala have taken a significant step towards bolstering disaster preparedness by graduating their inaugural Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). This initiative is designed to enhance local capacity to respond to emergencies and safeguard community members.
The program was facilitated with the support of the FIJI Water Foundation, the National Fire Authority, and various local partners. A total of 25 volunteers from the villages of Drauniivi, Togovere, Rabulu, Nananu, and Naseyani successfully completed training in essential areas such as first aid, fire safety, search and rescue operations, and safe evacuation procedures.
Eneriko Naikelekelevesi, the CERT Team Lead and Parade Commander, expressed the importance of the training, highlighting that it would serve a crucial role during emergencies, especially when official response teams are often engaged in multiple incidents simultaneously.
Senimili Kirikitinituraga, Acting Sub-Officer and Leading Firefighter of the National Fire Authority, praised the unwavering dedication of the volunteers. He noted that their commitment reflects a strong desire to protect both their communities and the broader province.
This initiative not only aims to improve community preparedness but also ensures that residents are equipped with vital emergency response skills, thereby fostering resilience while awaiting assistance from formal authorities. With this proactive approach, the communities of Tikina Naiyalayala are taking charge of their own safety and well-being, demonstrating a hopeful step towards enhancing disaster readiness and response capabilities.
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